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The Impact of the Prince Edward Island School ...

Description

Citation

Title

The Impact of the Prince Edward Island School Library Policy on the Development of School Library Programs across Prince Edward Island

Author(s)

Ray Doiron, Judy Davies

Date

1997

Abstract

In Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island (PEI), the "PEI School Library Policy" and its supporting documents have guided the development of school library programs since 1989. This study explores the impact that policy has had on school library programs in PEI. The "Survey of School Library Resource Centers" probed five key areas: facilities, resources, personnel, programs, and services in the 66 schools across PEI. Following the completion of the survey, 48 principals and teacher-librarians were interviewed for an hour each. Survey and interview data for 64 of the 66 participating schools were analyzed using exploratory data analysis that resulted in dozens of visual and numerical summaries. Data was reported under each of the five major areas probed and 25 actions recommended. The study yielded specific detail on the status of school library facilities and resources, and provided a comprehensive look at staffing procedures and problems. The educational concepts of resource-based learning, cooperative planning, and information skills that are embedded in the "Policy" have been well accepted across the system. New documentation is needed to update learning outcomes and to provide direction for integrating new technologies and the concept of information literacy. Future directions for professional development for teacher-librarians, principals, and classroom teachers are outlined and specific needs are identified in the areas of staffing, rebuilding school library collections, and connecting technology initiatives and resource-based learning. (Author/SWC)